Today’s news update – Frigid temps make for long days for mechanics; Council votes on appointment of Monte Nelson to Northfield Police Chief; Northfield Climate Summit to host Paul Douglas

Valley Autohaus owner, Ed Miller, said a lot of folks were surprised when their cars didn’t start. He said his crew is running 24/7. When asked how many calls they received yesterday, Miller said “upwards of 200 calls”. They’re jumping cars, towing cars, bringing them in to warm them up. He tells folks the biggest thing is to get your battery checked and to perform proper maintenance. Several semis didn’t fared so well either. They were piled up along Hwy 19 near I-35. The diesel fuel having gelled up. The Varsity Nordic Ski meet scheduled for this afternoon has been postponed. Also for residents and businesses of Dundas, garbage service will be delayed one day this week due to the frigid weather. Instead of Thursday pickup it will be Friday for Dundas. Minnesota author Alison McGhee’s appearance at the Northfield Library this evening has been postponed.

Council votes on appointment of Monte Nelson to Northfield Police Chief

The Northfield City Council meets tonight (Tuesday) at 7 o’clock. They have a packed agenda as this is the first time they’ve met as a voting body since December 10th. Among items on the Consent agenda are contract approvals for the NDDC and the Northfield Historical Society. The YMCA is requesting $37,300 for sidewalk and trail improvements for the new building project and Far-Gaze Farms is offering to lease the land at Fargaze Meadows. On the regular agenda is the approval of the promotion of Northfield Sgt. Monte Nelson to Police Chief. There will be a meet and greet with Nelson from 6 to 6:45 before the meeting. A super majority vote is necessary to approve the 6th street reconstruction project and the 2014 street reclamation projects. Council will also hear a City Hall project update with an itemized cost list. You can view the agenda and packet information on the City’s website at ci.northfield.mn.us under City Council. We’ll be streaming the meeting live on kymnradio.net.

Northfield Climate Summit to host Paul Douglas

Despite this recent polar vortex, our planet is warming up. Northfield will host a community conversation about climate change, its impact on Minnesota, and practical steps available to local residents, businesses and institutions to create a more sustainable future. The public is encouraged to attend the Northfield Area Climate Summit, which will be held on Saturday, January 18, from 9:30 a.m. – 3:45 p.m. at St. Olaf College, Buntrock Commons, 1520 St. Olaf Avenue in Northfield. Admission is free; advance registration is required. The Climate Summit will feature meteorologist Paul Douglas as the keynote speaker with a talk entitled, “Climate Change: Natural Cycle or Troubling Trend?” starting at 9:30 a.m., followed by a panel discussion and informative breakout sessions led by nationally recognized scientists, and business and environmental leaders from the state and region. For more information on Summit events and to register, visitwww.NorthfieldClimateSummit.org. Paul will be on with KYMN with Jeff Johnson on January 16th.